COMMENTS AND RESPONSES

Wiseguy, the concern over accent and mannerisms for nationally iconic roles has always been part of the casting debate. And the British have had some of their favorite roles co-opted by American actors. Renee Zellweger played Bridget Jones. Gwyneth Paltrow played Emma. Johnny Depp in every other movie. And look who's playing Sherlock Holmes. LoL

You're taking this personally when it's really a mostly-friendly rivalry. Lighten up. And sometimes it does make a difference. Think of Cold Mountain. Some people loved the book but hated the movie because the couldn't stay with the Southern accent. You might not be able to hear a bad west country imitation, but someone from England could, and it could ruin a movie for them.

Ryan Kwanten who plays Jason Stackhouse on True Blood is Australian. Was a trip to listen to him talk in his normal voice for the first time. I have to say accents do matter. Kevin Costner minus english accent made Robin Hood even lamer. But I think casting the best actor possible should be first and foremost and the accent while still important should still be secondary.

My vote goes to Stone Cold Steve Austin, that would be an interesting spin on the story. Pile the dwarves the in the back of his four wheeler and drive down the Brandywine Bridge, flip off the trolls when they come lookin for dinner and feed 'em a hot can of whoop-ass, answer Gollums riddles with WHAT WHAT WHAT WHAT, go up to Smaug and go "Eh-Eh!" and Stun him into submission!

Then just for good measure he'll hook up with Gandalf, played by The Rock, who'll take that One Ring, shine it up real nice, turn it sideways, and stick it up Saurons CANDY ASS!

How's that for a casting call :-)

(and the part of the skeleton spinning in it's grave will be played by JRR Tolkein)

Smeagol was actually what Tolkien refered to as "River Folk". I wouldn't necessarily say that he was the oldest Halfling. Bilbo, however, did NOT die, but traveled with the Elrond, Gandalf and Frodo across the sea. Therefore he's still alive somewhere, which WOULD make him the oldest living Hobbit

Who the heck is Mason Reese? I know it was a joke posting on him, but I still have no idea who he is.

There are few southern accents in True Blood that aren't bad, but at least the show is good aside from the terrible accents. Last time I checked, Elijah Wood is American and he worked out just fine in the first three films, so I think it "could" be done with an American, but it would be more difficult to find the right person. I've been a fan of the rumors for Tennant and McAvoy. I hadn't even thought of Freeman or Pegg before but I really like both of those choices. It would be a shame to cast Pegg and not have Frost thrown in there too, but he has worked without Frost before (like Run Fatboy, Run). I think I'm liking the Martin Freeman selection more and more, though.